Health assessment | Nursing homework help
Communication with this patient should be conducted in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner. This may include using a soft tone of voice, avoiding interrupting the patient, and allowing the patient ample time to express their concerns and questions. Additionally, it may be helpful to use visual aids or written materials to supplement verbal communication, as many older adults may have hearing or vision impairments. Lastly, it is important to avoid using medical jargon or complex terminology, as this may be confusing or intimidating for the patient.
The risk assessment instrument that may be applicable to this patient is the Elder Risk Assessment (ERA). This tool assesses an older adult’s risk of functional decline, cognitive impairment, and other age-related health issues. Given the patient’s age and living situation, this tool would be appropriate for assessing her overall health and risk factors.
Some targeted questions that may be asked of the patient using the ERA tool include:
- Have you noticed any changes in your ability to complete daily tasks, such as bathing or dressing?
- Do you experience any difficulty with mobility, such as walking or climbing stairs?
- Have you noticed any changes in your memory or ability to think clearly?
- Do you have any chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension?
- Are you experiencing any pain or discomfort on a regular basis?
By asking these questions, healthcare providers can gain insight into the patient’s health status and identify any potential risk factors that may require further assessment or intervention.